UCL or Uni of Bristol for History?
Hi guys, I’m trying to decide between UCL and Bristol for History (both AAA). Originally I thought UCL, but I went back to Bristol so now they’re quite equal.
UCL:
- Better course (class size and contact hours)
- Better location
- Slight edge in terms of reputation
Bristol:
- A lot cheaper/nicer accommodation
- Friendlier and more welcoming
- More personal (London can be lonely)
Both are equally as hard to travel back home. My Dad keeps saying that:
1. The degree matters more than the uni
2. The significance of the uni you went to dwindles further down the line
3. Generally, if you’re comfortable in the place, you’ll exceed more (more likely to be comfortable in Bristol)
Both are really good so what are people’s opinions/experiences? Is that prestigious edge worth the money for UCL? I’m genuinely torn between the two.
UCL:
- Better course (class size and contact hours)
- Better location
- Slight edge in terms of reputation
Bristol:
- A lot cheaper/nicer accommodation
- Friendlier and more welcoming
- More personal (London can be lonely)
Both are equally as hard to travel back home. My Dad keeps saying that:
1. The degree matters more than the uni
2. The significance of the uni you went to dwindles further down the line
3. Generally, if you’re comfortable in the place, you’ll exceed more (more likely to be comfortable in Bristol)
Both are really good so what are people’s opinions/experiences? Is that prestigious edge worth the money for UCL? I’m genuinely torn between the two.
Original post by danntheo
Hi guys, I’m trying to decide between UCL and Bristol for History (both AAA). Originally I thought UCL, but I went back to Bristol so now they’re quite equal.
UCL:
- Better course (class size and contact hours)
- Better location
- Slight edge in terms of reputation
Bristol:
- A lot cheaper/nicer accommodation
- Friendlier and more welcoming
- More personal (London can be lonely)
Both are equally as hard to travel back home. My Dad keeps saying that:
1. The degree matters more than the uni
2. The significance of the uni you went to dwindles further down the line
3. Generally, if you’re comfortable in the place, you’ll exceed more (more likely to be comfortable in Bristol)
Both are really good so what are people’s opinions/experiences? Is that prestigious edge worth the money for UCL? I’m genuinely torn between the two.
UCL:
- Better course (class size and contact hours)
- Better location
- Slight edge in terms of reputation
Bristol:
- A lot cheaper/nicer accommodation
- Friendlier and more welcoming
- More personal (London can be lonely)
Both are equally as hard to travel back home. My Dad keeps saying that:
1. The degree matters more than the uni
2. The significance of the uni you went to dwindles further down the line
3. Generally, if you’re comfortable in the place, you’ll exceed more (more likely to be comfortable in Bristol)
Both are really good so what are people’s opinions/experiences? Is that prestigious edge worth the money for UCL? I’m genuinely torn between the two.
I tend to agree with your dad. You haven't mentioned how the courses compare at all and that is what will matter the most.
Original post by alleycat393
I tend to agree with your dad. You haven't mentioned how the courses compare at all and that is what will matter the most.
Thanks for the reply. UCL has more choice over the modules and also has smaller class sizes
Original post by danntheo
Thanks for the reply. UCL has more choice over the modules and also has smaller class sizes
Class sizes will vary based on the teaching methods but having more module choices helps to explore your interests
Original post by alleycat393
Class sizes will vary based on the teaching methods but having more module choices helps to explore your interests
Yeah that’s true. It’s all quite wish-wash
Original post by danntheo
Yeah that’s true. It’s all quite wish-wash
Not sure what that means but it looks like you have your answer. Good luck!
Imo London can be friendly, and personal. Yes, it's a big city with lots of people, but theres still lots of space, there are green parks Hyde Park etc.. Im going UCL and I had the same thoughts but now im just thinking of it as London being the Campus.
In terms of course I wouldn't think about it in terms of class size and contact hours but rather what periods of History are available for you to study
In terms of course I wouldn't think about it in terms of class size and contact hours but rather what periods of History are available for you to study
(edited 6 years ago)
Bristol, for an all-round more positive experience. The class size is a red herring. You'll find that quite alot of History first years don't turn up to lectures anyway.
Original post by SuperHuman98
Imo London can be friendly, and personal. Yes, it's a big city with lots of people, but theres still lots of space, there are green parks Hyde Park etc.. Im going UCL and I had the same thoughts but now im just thinking of it as London being the Campus.
In terms of course I wouldn't think about it in terms of class size and contact hours but rather what periods of History are available for you to study
In terms of course I wouldn't think about it in terms of class size and contact hours but rather what periods of History are available for you to study
Thanks for the input. So how have you dealt with costs? Obviously it’s a big factor so has it affected you much/is it as bad as people say?
Original post by DrSocSciences
Bristol, for an all-round more positive experience. The class size is a red herring. You'll find that quite alot of History first years don't turn up to lectures anyway.
Yeah it seems a more quirky and characteristic place. I agree with the red herring point too. Thanks
Original post by danntheo
Thanks for the input. So how have you dealt with costs? Obviously it’s a big factor so has it affected you much/is it as bad as people say?
im not a current student just an offer holder
In terms of rent, I have enough maintaince loan to pay rent (if I move out). and will apply for bursaries. I probably will eventually end up applying for part time jobs once I have settled in.
I am a 3rd year Bristol student who has enjoyed his time here. To be fair, though, I am a biochemist and I don’t get out much. It’s possible we might be looking for different things.
Original post by danntheo
Hi guys, I’m trying to decide between UCL and Bristol for History (both AAA). Originally I thought UCL, but I went back to Bristol so now they’re quite equal.
UCL:
- Better course (class size and contact hours)
- Better location
- Slight edge in terms of reputation
Bristol:
- A lot cheaper/nicer accommodation
- Friendlier and more welcoming
- More personal (London can be lonely)
Both are equally as hard to travel back home. My Dad keeps saying that:
1. The degree matters more than the uni
2. The significance of the uni you went to dwindles further down the line
3. Generally, if you’re comfortable in the place, you’ll exceed more (more likely to be comfortable in Bristol)
Both are really good so what are people’s opinions/experiences? Is that prestigious edge worth the money for UCL? I’m genuinely torn between the two.
UCL:
- Better course (class size and contact hours)
- Better location
- Slight edge in terms of reputation
Bristol:
- A lot cheaper/nicer accommodation
- Friendlier and more welcoming
- More personal (London can be lonely)
Both are equally as hard to travel back home. My Dad keeps saying that:
1. The degree matters more than the uni
2. The significance of the uni you went to dwindles further down the line
3. Generally, if you’re comfortable in the place, you’ll exceed more (more likely to be comfortable in Bristol)
Both are really good so what are people’s opinions/experiences? Is that prestigious edge worth the money for UCL? I’m genuinely torn between the two.
Where did you go in the end? I’m going through the exact same problem right now!
Original post by samueljsimmonds
Where did you go in the end? I’m going through the exact same problem right now!
Hi Samuel,
In the end I chose Bristol and I had the time of my life. I graduated in 2021 with a 1st in history. I was so close to continuing in academia but decided to go down the marketing route and now I have a career in SEO marketing that I really enjoy.
The most important thing is that you’re happy in the city you go. Visit the locations (Bristol and London) and think is this me? How do I feel? Does this inspire me? Etc.
I got wrapped up in all the rankings and the stats. I can say from person experience that what you get is vastly more important than where you go. I’ve seen people go from polys into stellar careers on account of their grade and broader experience. A 2st from a 40 something place uni over a 2nd from 4th place uni for instance.
You’re going to be living there for at least 3 years. Bear in mind that after 1st year in London you’ll be quite spread out from friends so it can be quite isolating (my friends experienced this).
Bear in mind that my opinion is going to be biased but I don’t have 1 bad thing to say about Bristol as a place or the uni. It’s a truly beautiful city with such an interesting mix of people and a real identity and heritage. I intend on living there again in future. I made countless memories and met so many unforgettable people. It’s got an amazing reputation, lots of great sports teams, and its social and nightlife is easily top 5 in the country. It’s quite expensive but no more expensive than London! In summer it felt like I was in Europe.
(Edit for the following addition): while the course isn’t as expansive as it is at UCL, I didn’t notice this. You get enough free rein and being in a smaller city had a lot of advantages when it came to doing original research. All the tutors are incredible and there were enough modules for everybody - at least I didn’t hear any complaints.
I won’t go on and on but I can’t recommend Bristol enough. I feel like a much more confident, self-assured, relaxed, inspired, and motivated person having gone there. I’m truly blessed to have gone and I hope you make the same decision (again, biased!)
Just make sure you’re happy and comfortable. If you truly enjoy what you study to the point where it doesn’t feel like ‘work’ then you’ll smash it!
If you’d like any more advice on Bristol then just leave a comment and I can find a way to get in touch.
Best of luck Samuel!
(edited 9 months ago)
Thank you so, so much! I didn’t think you’d respond after so many years. Its so helpful, and comforting, that you went through the exact same struggle and managed to come out flourishing the other end ahahah. Even more weird that, I think like you, I was originally torn between Durham and UCL.
The only thing keeping me from firming Bristol was thinking that its reputation was lower than UCL’s (though obviously still strong) and that modules would be more restricted and teaching hours lower, potentially affecting my overall final grade. From what you’ve said, it obviously doesn’t seem like that is the case, but that worry is still there.
You mentioned that a few of your friends went to University in London and found that moving out after 1st year was isolating. The fact that this was practically the only reason keeping me from firming UCL (it is unbelievably close between the two universities) pushes me more towards Bristol and confirms my worries. Did they still have a good time, all in all? Did they regret choosing UCL or another London Uni?
Again, thank you so much for responding!
The only thing keeping me from firming Bristol was thinking that its reputation was lower than UCL’s (though obviously still strong) and that modules would be more restricted and teaching hours lower, potentially affecting my overall final grade. From what you’ve said, it obviously doesn’t seem like that is the case, but that worry is still there.
You mentioned that a few of your friends went to University in London and found that moving out after 1st year was isolating. The fact that this was practically the only reason keeping me from firming UCL (it is unbelievably close between the two universities) pushes me more towards Bristol and confirms my worries. Did they still have a good time, all in all? Did they regret choosing UCL or another London Uni?
Again, thank you so much for responding!
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